The controversy over baptism should be no controversy at all. The only reason there is controversy over this important subject is that there are too many people listening to man instead of the inspired Word of God. God’s Word is clear. Baptism is essential. The purpose of baptism is to have one’s sins forgiven (Acts 2:38) and to be put into Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4).

No one believes that there is something magical about water.  Baptism is, however, a God-given command that must be followed to enter into a right relationship with Him. Why? Because God said it is so.  Period!  Do not try to read God’s mind and determine why He has set forth such a command. That is none of our business. God has the sovereign right to command, and when He does, our only duty is to obey.  Since He commands a person to be baptized, one must comply to be saved.

We have an example of this in the physical realm regarding the leprosy of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14). God, through the prophet Elisha, arranged for Naaman to be cleansed from leprosy by dipping into the Jordan River seven times.  Naaman, being a Syrian, did not want to dip into the Jordan River.  He preferred to dip into one of the rivers of Damascus instead.  Of course, not being obedient to the instructions of God, he remained a leper.  In the end, he conceded, dipped seven times in the Jordan River, and was cleansed.

Now, was their magic in the water? Of course not! Another leper could have jumped into the Jordan, and he would have remained a leper. The power belonged to God, and Naaman was cleansed by God’s mercy because, in the end, he complied with God’s divine instruction.

Spiritually, this is exactly why a person’s sins are forgiven when he is baptized.  It is not because there is magic in the water; it is, first and foremost, because of God’s mercy, but also because of his willingness to do what God says.

Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
²¹  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

There is, however, such a thing as unscriptural baptism. While baptism is essential, it is important to realize that it must be done for the right reason, in the right way, and by the right person.

What is the right reason for being baptized?  One is baptized to have his sins forgiven and to become a child of God.  Peter specifically said that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  It is not “an outward sign of an inward grace.”   That is denominational language not found in God’s sacred Book.  Baptism is not something done to people who are saved, but to those who are outside of Christ for the express purpose of being added to the body of Christ (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:47; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism, then, is not something you do to stay saved; but, it is something one does in order to be saved.  If you were baptized at a denominational church, you were probably baptized wrong since very few of them teach that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. How can a person be taught wrong but baptized right?

The symbolism, as well as the express language used in reference to baptism, makes it clear that it is a burial, not a sprinkling.  The word baptize is from the Greek word baptizō and means “to immerse or submerge” (Strong).  It is derived from the Greek word baptō which means “to cover wholly with a fluid” (Strong).  So we are not surprised that when Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, the Bible says that they both went down into the water (Acts 8:38).  Nor are we surprised when we read of Paul referring to the act of baptism as a burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) and describes it as one being planted (Romans 6:5).

Make no mistake about it—baptism is necessary for one to become a child of God and be saved.  Peter said, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).  How can one argue against baptism in light of such clear and plain revelation?  Let us not forget, however, that one must not only be baptized; he must be baptized for the right reason (for the forgiveness of sins) and in the right manner (buried in the water), or else it is not scriptural.  Of course, for baptism to be valid, it must also involve the right candidate, that is, a person who can believe (John 8:24), repent (Luke 13:3), and confess Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). Baptism for any other reason, in any other manner, and upon any other type of person, is unscriptural baptism.